Reno-Protective Properties of Azolla pinnata Extract Against Gentamicin-Induced Kidney Damage Are Attributed to Its Antioxidant Effects.

BACKGROUND

Gentamicin, a powerful aminoglycoside antibiotic, is limited in clinical use due to dose-related kidney toxicity, mainly caused by oxidative stress. A. pinnata, an antioxidant-rich aquatic fern, has not been extensively studied for renoprotection against GM-induced kidney damage. This research assessed the protective effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of A. pinnata on GM nephrotoxicity.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 8): control, sham, GM (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.), and GM plus A. pinnata extract (10 or 20 mg/kg/day, orally). After seven days, renal function markers (serum creatinine and urea), oxidative stress parameters (MDA, FRAP, CAT, and GPX), TNF-α, and renal histopathology were assessed.

RESULTS

GM significantly damaged kidney function and induced oxidative stress, as shown by increased levels of creatinine, urea, and MDA, along with reduced FRAP and CAT activity (p < 0.05). Co-treatment with A. pinnata extract, especially at 20 mg/kg, significantly lessened these effects by restoring kidney function markers, boosting antioxidant defenses, and lowering lipid peroxidation. The extract did not have a significant impact on either GPX activity or TNF-α levels. Histopathological analysis revealed that GM-induced tubular necrosis and glomerular damage were significantly ameliorated by A. pinnata in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

A. pinnata extract offers notable protection against kidney damage caused by gentamicin, mainly by enhancing the body's natural antioxidant defenses, decreasing lipid peroxidation, and maintaining the normal structure of kidney tissue. These findings suggest that A. pinnata could serve as a valuable complementary treatment to improve the safety of GM use.